(n) a central cohesive source of support and stability, Syn. mainstay, backbone, lynchpin, keystone, linchpin, Example:faith is his anchor; the keystone of campaign reform was the ban on soft money; he is the linchpin of this firm
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ AS. lynis the axletree; akin to D. luns linchpin, OS. lunisa, LG. lunse, G. lünse, OHG. lun peg, bolt. ] A pin used to prevent the wheel of a vehicle from sliding off the axletree. [ 1913 Webster ]